Lee University’s Estes named CFF Hero of Hope

Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education, has been named the recipient of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s (CFF) Hero of Hope Award. The award recognizes a volunteer without a direct personal connection to cystic fibrosis who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to raising awareness and funds to support the foundation’s mission to cure CF. 

"I am both surprised and deeply humbled by this award,” said Estes. “There are so many people in this community that have partnered with us for over 20 years who are the real heroes in the advancements made toward curing cystic fibrosis. It has been a team effort from the start; an effort that has amazed all of us at the advancements and gains in fighting this disease." 

Estes’ recognition comes as part of the foundation’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Party, which took place earlier this month in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The annual party provides mission updates, care center updates, and awards for the volunteers that help make the foundation’s efforts possible. Jolly Johnson, senior development director of the CFF, congratulated Estes for his unwavering dedication over more than two decades. 

Jolly Johnson, senior development director of the CFF, congratulated Estes for his unwavering dedication over more than two decades. 

“We are grateful to have the support of such a deserving, long-time volunteer leader, Bill Estes,” said Johnson. “After news of a close friend's child being diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, Bill began supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, ultimately helping bring Great Strides to Lee University. He has served as the lead for the 65 Roses 5K in support of Cleveland's Great Strides for 22 years. While Bill may not have a genetic connection to cystic fibrosis, curing CF is clearly one of his personal missions. We are truly grateful for Bill's incredible contributions and are proud to recognize him as our newest Hero of Hope!”  

The Hero of Hope Award highlights Estes’ role in advancing the Foundation’s vision of a future free from cystic fibrosis. Over the past 30 years, the life expectancy of children with CF has doubled, thanks to breakthroughs in research, drug development, and care initiatives supported by dedicated volunteers like Estes. 

In addition to his service with CFF, Estes is a respected leader in education and public service. In addition to being dean, he is a distinguished professor of education at Lee and previously served as chair of the university’s Department of Health Exercise Science and Secondary Education from 2004 to 2013. Locally, Estes is a member of Cleveland’s City Council and serves on the Cleveland City Planning Commission. He is also a committee member of the Greenway Advisory Board. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, his Master of Science in Education from the University of Central Arkansas, and his Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College. 

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle. Its mission is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.  

  For more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its work, visit www.cff.org.